Local Notes: Alan and Alanna Daly, Ballinrobe are recognised as ambassadors to farming in harmony with the natural environment.
Alan and Alanna Daly, Ballinrobe, are being recognised as ambassadors to farming in harmony with the natural environment.
Alan and Alanna Daly, a father-and-daughter team from Ballinrobe, are being recognised as ambassadors for Farming for Nature, thanks to their proactive approach to farming in harmony with the natural environment.
Situated on over 200 hectares alongside the stunning Lough Mask, the Daly farm supports 340 sheep and 60 Angus and Galloway cattle, with half of the land lying within native woodland untouched for more than 200 years. Their woodland is home to a thriving ecosystem, including red squirrels, pine martens, stoats, and a variety of lichens, reflecting the family's guiding principle: “We don’t interfere with nature here, we’re not enemies.” In addition to preserving the ancient woodlands, the Dalys have engaged with the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. Alan and Alanna have undertaken a range of habitat enhancement works, including renovating a derelict building to support the return of Lesser Horseshoe bats, planting hedgerows, establishing wildflower meadows, and managing wetlands to support native vegetation and wildfowl. Their meadows, rich in grasses such as crested dog’s-tail and sweet vernal grass, and herbs including ox-eye daisy, ladies’ bedstraw, and yarrow, contribute to the area’s biodiversity. As part of their commitment to biodiversity, they spread cut hay to encourage wildflower reseeding and are planning to plant four hectares of agroforestry this year, creating wildlife corridors across their land.
Barry O’Donoghue of the NPWS, who nominated the Dalys for recognition, commended their efforts: “The interest and enthusiasm that Alan and Alanna have for nature is a joy to behold. It is heartening to see farmers leading the way in managing the environment, while learning from both old ways and new.” Alan and Alanna opened their gates for a Farming for Nature farm walk earlier in the year as Alan says 'We are delighted to be part of Farming for Nature. There’s good advice and support available within this community. As ambassadors we are proud to show what we do for nature and the Irish wildlife'.
As Alan and Alanna look to the future, their vision is simple: by caring for the land as the three generations before them did, they believe they will leave a proud legacy for those to come. They hope their example will inspire others, reminding fellow farmers that every farm, big or small has space for nature whether through wildflower margins, planting trees and hedges, or even putting up a bat or owl box. As Alan reflects, ‘It’s always good to take a few minutes and just enjoy the natural world around us.’” To learn more about Alan and Alanna's farm, go to the Farming for Nature YouTube channel
Marguerite Golden was the winner of the €28,900 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Inch’s Bar, on Monday, September 29. The winning numbers drawn were: 7, 25, 27 and 33. The match three winner of €100 was Kathleen Reapy. The jackpot in the draw to be held today, October 7 is €10,000.
The results of a recent competition are as follows: 1st, Joanne Hynes and Eileen Carney, 1st gross, Paul Waldron and Marian O’Connor, 2nd, Vincent Connell and Claire Mitchell, 3rd, Maureen Donnelly and Mary O’Reilly, 4th, Carmel Costello and Ita Langan, and 5th, Phil and Kathleen Walsh.
Dancing at the Crossroads Cong will hold a fundraising afternoon in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice on Sunday, October 12, from 2 to 5pm, in the Crossroads Community Centre, Cong (Eircode F31PY97). There will be music by Stuart Moyles from 3 to 4.30pm, with tea/coffee and refreshments served. Donations can be made at the door. Your support for this fundraiser would be appreciated.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club will hold a ‘Quid Games’ fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, at 8pm, in the MacWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. The ‘Quid Games’ event on October 18, will feature six skill-based challenges testing everyone, with both mental and physical challenges. Contestants will battle it out through elimination rounds, until just two remain to face off in an epic final. The event will see €6,000 of prize money up for grabs and will be awarded as follows: €3,000 for the winner; €2,000 for the runner-up; €1,000 for third place. The contestants are as follows: Mike Ansbro, Edel O’Malley, Damien Crowe, Ciara Heneghan, Caoimhe O’Toole, Tony Walkin, Tom Carney, Conor Costello, John Farrell, Rachel Kinneavey, Adrian O’Malley, Dylan Keane, Annmarie Herward, Dara Whelan, Thomas Lynagh, Liam Burke, Abby Jennings, Peter Finlay, Paddy Burke, Art O’Neill, Micheál Walsh, Eamon Finnerty, Kevin Mullin, and Conan Martin. All funds raised will go directly towards the development of Ballinrobe Rugby Club’s facilities, with a major goal being the purchase of land to secure the club’s future.
The contestants are also organising fundraisers for the Quid Games night and those details are available on the Ballinrobe Rugby Club Facebook page. Tickets for the Quid Games fundraiser on October 18 are available to buy in Martin Murphy’s Newsagent, Ballinrobe, and Spar Cong. Your support for this fundraiser would be appreciated.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Inch’s Bar on Monday, September 29, with Kenneth Loughrey the winner of €365.
The results of a recent nine hole mixed competition sponsored by the Bowers Bar and Restaurant are as follows: 1st, Seamus Langan, Willie Connolly, Eileen Conlisk, John Cradock; 2nd, Niall Staunton, Brid De Barra, Patrick Murphy, Gerry O’Malley.
The results of a weekend competition (week ending September 27/28) sponsored by the Twibill Family are as follows: Gents 1st, Brian O’Connor (42), 2nd, Philip Rossiter (40), Gross, Tony O’Toole (28), Cat 1, Patrick Finnegan (38), Cat 2, Tom Moran (39), Cat 3, David Fahy (37), Cat 4, Ian Brocklesby (39), Front 9, Ronan Egan (20), Back 9, Christopher Mellott (19).
Ladies 1st, Daisy Finnerty (37), 2nd, Connie Darcy (35), Gross, Geraldine Ryan, Cat 1, Marian Walsh (35), Cat 2, Ann Marie Mulvey (35), Cat 3, Lisa Biggins, Front 9, Antoinette O’Connor, Back 9, Carmel Sweeney.
Ladies’ racquetball takes place every Thursday from 7 to 9pm in the Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre, Ballinrobe. This weekly game is for all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Equipment will be provided, and this weekly game of racquetball is a great way to get some exercise and socialise. The price to take part is €5 per person. Further details and information are available by contacting Michael at 087 2370377. All are welcome.
Racquetball for men takes place every Monday night in the Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre, from 9 to 9.30pm. All levels are welcome, and equipment will be provided. The cost to take part is €5 per person. For further details and information, you are asked to contact Michael at 087 2370377.
The Lakeside Lakers Basketball Club are looking for players to join their U14 girls’ team. No previous experience of playing basketball is required. Training takes place every Tuesday from 6 to 7pm in the Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre. Those taking part are asked to bring runners. Parents who would like their children to join the team are asked to email ballinrobebasketballclub@gmail.com or contact 087 4856450.
There was no winner of the €30,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, September 29. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 16 and 19. The €25 winners were Breege Kearney, Chris Ryan, Patricia Mahon, and Peter McCarthy.
There was no winner of the €2,800 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Tuesday, September 30. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 11 and 15. The €30 winners were Paraic O’Malley and Neil O’Brien. The €25 winners were James Luskin, and Pat McGrath.
There was no winner of the €10,200 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, September 28. The numbers drawn were 31, 32, 34 and 36. The €50 winners were Danny McHugh, Brookhill, Sean Crowe, Pulbawn, and Eamon Maloney (Junior), Crossboyne.
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The numbers drawn for the lotto which was held on Tuesday, September 30, were 11, 14, 28, 30. There was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Deborah Dabbagh, Balla (online ticket), Tom Ryan, Kilmeena (annual ticket), Alan Brennan, Weatherfort (online ticket), Kevin Charles, Claremorris (online ticket). The jackpot for draw on Tuesday, October 7, is €15,900.
Mayo Abbey Parish Housing Association CLG invite applications for two-bedroom house available for rent in Cnoc na nIúr, Mayo Abbey. Social housing guidelines apply with priority given to those over 60. For further details and application form contact 094 9365987 or e-mail: management@mayoabbey.ie. Closing date is October 17.
The next card game to be held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre is Thursday, October 16, at 9pm. All are welcome.
Why not come along on Thursday mornings and join the walking group, which starts from the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, walk as little or as much as you like and bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the Centre 094 93 65987 for information.
